Women in Orthopaedics: 10-Year Trends of Fellowship Match Rate and Subspecialty.

BACKGROUND: Orthopaedic surgery has consistently remained one of the least diverse specialties in medicine. There are limited data on the match rate by sex into orthopaedic fellowships. PURPOSE: The goals of this study were to determine (1) how the percentage of women applying to orthopaedic fellowships has changed from 2011 to 2021, (2) whether there was a correlation between sex and the likelihood of a successful fellowship match, and (3) which subspecialties tend to have a greater proportion of female applicants and fellows. METHODS: The San Francisco (SF) Match service was used to obtain US orthopaedic fellowship applicant data from 2010 to 2021. San Francisco Match has run the match for the orthopaedic fellowship match since 2010. International medical graduates' applications, incomplete applications, or withdrawn applications were excluded. The following variables were collected and assessed: sex, subspecialty choice (except for hand because they do not use SF Match services), and match outcome. The number of female applicants and matches was recorded by year and compared with the number of male applicants and matches. Chi-square analysis was used to analyze categorical variables. RESULTS: A total of 6969 applicants to all orthopaedic specialties within SF Match were included during the study period. Overall, 859 were female (12.3%), and 6110 were male (87.7%). The number of female applicants had an increasing trend over the 10-year period from 65 applicants in 2011 to 111 in 2021. The overall proportion of female applicants was between 10.1% and 14.4%. The annual match rate for female applicants was 90.7% to 100% during the study period while the match rate for male applicants was 93.7% to 97.3%. Regarding successful matches, pediatrics had the highest proportion of women (range: 30.2% to 46.2%), followed by foot and ankle (range: 9.8% to 26.4%). Spine (range: 3.2 to 10.9%) and adult reconstruction (range: 3.9% to 9%) had the least number of women among matched applicants. DISCUSSION: This study found that the number of female applicants to orthopaedic fellowships has increased over the past 10 years. The difference in fellowship match rates among male versus female applicants did not statistically differ during this 10-year period; however, the proportion of female fellows is not equally distributed among subspecialties, with a higher proportion of women matching into pediatrics and foot and ankle and lower proportion in reconstruction and spine. These data can provide a benchmark for department chairs and society leadership to ensure they are recruiting, interviewing, and selecting candidates who are representative of the current sex demographics of orthopaedic fellowship graduates.

Job satisfaction and practice characteristics of shoulder and elbow surgeons: a survey of American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons society members.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study is to assess the current trends in fellowship training, career satisfaction, practice characteristics, and surgical case volume among shoulder and elbow surgeons. METHODS: A web-based, anonymous 25-item survey was sent to the membership of the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) in October of 2022. Questions posed included respondent demographics, fellowship training, career satisfaction, practice characteristics, and surgical case characteristics. Descriptive statistics were performed to report demographic information, assess job and training satisfaction rates, and evaluate practice characteristics. Chi-squared and independent samples t-tests were performed to analyze satisfaction rates, job applications, and surgical case volume with regard to years in practice and practice setting. RESULTS: Twenty percent (243/1248) of ASES members satisfactorily completed the survey. Of the 243 ASES member respondents, 97% (236/243) stated that they would pursue their fellowship training again. Ninety-eight percent (239/243) of respondents were satisfied with their specialty choice. One-hundred percent (242/243) were satisfied with their training in shoulder. Seventy-two percent (176/243) were satisfied with their training in elbow. Seventy-four percent (179/243) were satisfied with their job availability and 85% (207/243) were satisfied with their job location. The mean total number of orthopedic surgical cases per year was 393 ± 171. The mean total number of shoulder cases per year was 253 ± 149. The mean total number of elbow cases per year was 41 ± 41. Physicians who have been in practice for 11 years or more were comparatively more satisfied (90% vs. 80%) with their job location (P value = .008) and job availability (81% vs. 64%, P value < .001). Additionally, senior surgeons completed more orthopedic (431 vs. 347, P value < .001) and shoulder (279 vs. 220, P value = .002) cases annually than surgeons earlier in their careers. Satisfaction rates, job applications, and surgical case volume did not associate with practice setting. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of ASES member shoulder and elbow surgeons are satisfied with their training, their case volume and complexity, and their specialty choice. Fewer surgeons are satisfied with their elbow training and overall elbow case volume remains low among shoulder and elbow surgeons. Shoulder and elbow surgeons earlier in their careers perform fewer surgical cases, are less satisfied with their job availability and location, and completed more job applications for their first job after fellowship when compared to more senior surgeons.

Open and Arthroscopic Elbow Contracture Release: Tips and Pearls.

Elbow stiffness is a common consequence of trauma and can significantly limit the functionality of the affected arm. Intervention may be necessary for those with a motion arc less than 100°, but the decision to intervene should be based on individual patient needs. Restoration of joint motion in a stiff elbow can be challenging, time consuming, and costly. Nonsurgical treatment is the primary management option, and surgical intervention is considered for refractory stiffness. However, recurrent stiffness is a common issue following surgical elbow contracture release. An overview of relevant elbow anatomy, principles and technical pearls of arthroscopic and open contracture release, and postoperative rehabilitation methods to reduce the risk of recurrent stiffness is provided. It is important to tailor the treatment plan to each patient's unique needs and functional expectations.

Hemiarthroplasty versus total shoulder arthroplasty in B2 glenoids with an intact rotator cuff: a long-term matched cohort analysis.

Background: Walch B2 glenoids present unique challenges to the shoulder arthroplasty surgeon, particularly in young, active patients who may wish to avoid the restrictions typically associated with an anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA). Long-term data are limited when comparing hemiarthroplasty (HA) and TSA for patients with an intact rotator cuff. The purpose of our study was to compare the long-term outcomes of HA vs. TSA in a matched analysis of patients with B2 glenoids, primary osteoarthritis (OA), and an intact rotator cuff. Methods: A retrospective review was performed of all patients who underwent HA or TSA between January 2000 and December 2011 at a single institution. Inclusion criteria were primary OA, Walch B2 glenoid morphology, an intact rotator cuff intraoperatively, at least 2 years of clinical follow-up, or revision within 2 years of surgery. Fifteen HAs met inclusion criteria and were matched 1:2 with 30 TSAs using age, sex, body mass index, and implant selection. Clinical outcomes including range of motion (ROM), visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, subjective shoulder value score, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, complications, and revisions were recorded. Postoperative radiographs were reviewed to assess for stem loosening, humeral head subluxation, glenoid loosening, and glenoid erosion. Results: A total of 15 HAs and 30 TSAs met inclusion criteria at a mean follow-up of 9.3 years. The mean age at the time of surgery was 60.2 years for HA and 65.4 years for TSA (P = .08). Both cohorts had significant improvements in ROM, subjective shoulder value, and VAS pain scores (P < .001). TSA had higher postoperative ASES scores compared to HA (P = .03) and lower postoperative VAS pain scores (P = .03), although the decrease in pain from preoperatively to final follow-up was not significantly different between HA and TSA (P = .11). HAs were more likely to have posterior humeral subluxation (P < .001) and stem lucencies (P = .02). Revisions occurred in 11.1% of the cohort with no difference for HA and TSA (P = .73). Conclusions: At nearly 10 years of follow-up, HA and TSA both showed significant improvements in ROM and pain when performed for primary glenohumeral OA in B2 glenoids with intact rotator cuffs. Compared to HA, TSAs had less posterior humeral subluxation, less stem lucencies, higher ASES scores, and lower postoperative VAS pain scores. However, our study failed to demonstrate a difference in ROM, complication, or revision rates between HA and TSA.

The Effect of Pulling Angle on Rotator Cuff Mechanical Properties in a Canine In Vitro Model.

The objective of this study was to examine the effect of pulling angle on time-zero mechanical properties of intact infraspinatus tendon or infraspinatus tendon repaired with the modified Mason-Allen technique in a canine model in vitro. Thirty-six canine shoulder samples were used. Twenty intact samples were randomly allocated into functional pull (135°) and anatomic pull (70°) groups (n = 10 per group). The remaining sixteen infraspinatus tendons were transected from the insertion and repaired using the modified Mason-Allen technique before being randomly allocated into functional pull or anatomic pull groups (n = 8 per group). Load to failure testing was performed on all specimens. The ultimate failure load and ultimate stress of the functional pulled intact tendons were significantly lower compared with anatomic pulled tendons (1310.2 ± 167.6 N vs. 1687.4 ± 228.2 N, p = 0.0005: 55.6 ± 8.4 MPa vs. 67.1 ± 13.3 MPa, p = 0.0334). For the tendons repaired with the modified Mason-Allen technique, no significant differences were observed in ultimate failure load, ultimate stress or stiffness between functional pull and anatomic pull groups. The variance of pulling angle had a significant influence on the biomechanical properties of the rotator cuff tendon in a canine shoulder model in vitro. Load to failure of the intact infraspinatus tendon was lower at the functional pulling position compared to the anatomic pulling position. This result indicates that uneven load distribution across tendon fibers under functional pull may predispose the tendon to tear. However, this mechanical character is not presented after rotator cuff repair using the modified Mason-Allen technique.

Nerve Conditions of the Upper Limb: How Not to Miss or Mismanage.

There are several issues associated with nerve compression syndromes of the upper limb; ultrasonography is a useful diagnostic tool. The orthopaedic surgeon should know how to evaluate and treat patients who do not obtain expected relief following carpal or cubital tunnel release, and also be knowledgeable about the workup and evaluation of patients with conditions of debatable pathology and treatment, such as radial tunnel syndrome or pronator syndrome. Recent studies on suprascapular neuropathy include discussions about the pathophysiology and etiology of the condition, its natural history, and who might benefit from surgery.

Surgical management of osteoarthritis in the shoulder and elbow.

Interesting recent trends are apparent in the setting of shoulder and elbow pathology. There is an increase in utilization of shoulder arthroplasty for osteoarthritis and post traumatic arthritis. At the same time, there remain limited options for osteoarthritis of the elbow particularly in the young and or active patient. This manuscript details surgical options for osteoarthritis at the elbow and shoulder.

Effects of purified exosome product on rotator cuff tendon-bone healing in vitro and in vivo.

Exosomes have multiple therapeutic targets, but the effects on healing rotator cuff tear (RCT) remain unclear. As a circulating exosome, purified exosome product (PEP) has the potential to lead to biomechanical improvement in RCT. Here, we have established a simple and efficient approach that identifies the function and underlying mechanisms of PEP on cell-cell interaction using a co-culture model in vitro. In the in vivo trial, adult female Sprague-Dawley rats underwent unilateral surgery to transect and repair the supraspinatus tendon to its insertion site with or without PEP. PEP promoted the migration and confluence of osteoblast cells and tenocytes, especially during direct cell-cell contact. Expression of potential genes for RCT in vitro and in vivo models were consistent with biomechanical tests and semiquantitative histologic scores, indicating accelerated strength and healing of the RC in response to PEP. Our observations suggest that circulating exosomes provide an effective option to improve the healing speed of RCT after surgical repair. The regeneration of enthesis following PEP treatment appears to be related to a mutually reinforcing relationship between direct cell-cell contact and PEP activity, suggesting a dual approach to the healing process.

Static and Dynamic External Fixation are Equally Effective for Unstable Elbow Fracture-Dislocations.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the clinical outcomes of static versus dynamic external fixation for elbow fracture-dislocations with persistent instability after surgical management. DESIGN: Comparative, retrospective review. SETTING: Two tertiary referral upper-extremity centers. PATIENTS: Twenty-four elbows requiring external fixation for persistent elbow instability within 90 days of surgical management of an elbow fracture-dislocation. INTERVENTION: Static and dynamic external fixation was used in 16 and 8 patients, respectively, for a median of 39 days (interquartile range, 33-48 days). MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Elbow range of motion, complications, and revision surgeries. RESULTS: Immediately after static and dynamic external fixation removal, there was no difference in elbow extension [33 degrees ± 16 degrees vs. 41 degrees ± 13 degrees, mean difference (MD) 7 degrees, 95% confidence interval (CI) -6 degrees-22 degrees] or flexion (114 degrees ± 35 degrees vs. 118 degrees ± 11 degrees, MD 4 degrees, 95% CI -23 degrees-132 degrees), respectively. At last follow-up, static and dynamic external fixation groups had no difference in elbow extension (27 degrees ± 13 degrees vs. 24 degrees ± 10 degrees, MD -3 degrees, 95% CI -15 degrees-7 degrees) or flexion (129 degrees ± 12 degrees vs. 128 degrees ± 14 degrees, MD -1 degree, 95% CI -13 degrees-10 degrees), respectively. Static and dynamic external fixation groups had no difference in complications [7 (44%) vs. 5 (63%), difference 19%, 95% CI -23%-54%] or revision surgeries [6 (38%) vs. 4 (50%), difference 13%, 95% CI -27%-49%]. CONCLUSIONS: No difference in range of motion, complications, and revision surgeries was detected after static versus dynamic external fixation of persistently unstable elbow fracture-dislocations. Due to ease of application, static external fixation is our preferred treatment for these injuries. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Biomechanical Comparison of Augmentation of Engineered Tendon-Fibrocartilage-Bone Composite With Acellular Dermal Graft Using Double Rip-Stop Technique for Canine Rotator Cuff Repair.

BACKGROUND: The retear rate after rotator cuff repair remains unacceptably high. Various biological engineered scaffolds have been proposed to reduce the retear rate. We have developed a double rip-stop repair with medial row knot (DRSK) technique to enhance suture-tendon strength and a novel engineered tendon-fibrocartilage-bone composite (TFBC) for rotator cuff repair. HYPOTHESIS: DRSK rotator cuff repair augmented with TFBC will have better biomechanical properties than that of DRSK repair with an acellular dermal graft (DG). STUDY DESIGN: Controlled laboratory study. METHODS: Fresh-frozen canine shoulders (n = 30) and knees (n = 10) were used. TFBCs were harvested from the patellar tendon-tibia complex and prepared for rotator cuff repair. The infraspinatus tendon was sharply detached from its bony attachment and randomly assigned to the (1) control group: DRSK repair alone, (2) TFBC group: DRSK repair with TFBC, and (3) DG group: DRSK repair with DG. All specimens were tested to failure, and videos were recorded. The footprint area, tendon thickness, load to create 3-mm gap formation, failure load, failure modes, and stiffness were recorded and compared. Data were recorded as mean ± SD. RESULTS: The mean load to create a 3-mm gap in both the control group (206.8 ± 55.7 N) and TFBC group (208.9 ± 39.1 N) was significantly higher than that in the DG group (157.7 ± 52.3 N) (P < .05 for all). The failure load of the control group (275.7 ± 75.0 N) and TFBC group (275.2 ± 52.5 N) was significantly higher compared with the DG group (201.5 ± 49.7 N) (P < .05 for both comparisons). The stiffness of the control group (26.4 ± 4.7 N/mm) was significantly higher than of the TFBC group (20.4 ± 4.4 N/mm) and the DG group (21.1 ± 4.8 N/mm) (P < .05 for both comparisons). CONCLUSION: TFBC augmentation showed superior biomechanical performance to DG augmentation in rotator cuff tears repaired using the DRSK technique, while there was no difference between the TFBC and control groups. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: TFBC may help to reduce retear or gap formation after rotator cuff repair using the DRSK technique.

Biomechanical evaluation of a novel double rip-stop technique with medial row knots for rotator cuff repair: an in vitro study.

AIMS: Many biomechanical studies have shown that the weakest biomechanical point of a rotator cuff repair is the suture-tendon interface at the medial row. We developed a novel double rip-stop (DRS) technique to enhance the strength at the medial row for rotator cuff repair. The objective of this study was to evaluate the biomechanical properties of the DRS technique with the conventional suture-bridge (SB) technique and to evaluate the biomechanical performance of the DRS technique with medial row knots. METHODS: A total of 24 fresh-frozen porcine shoulders were used. The infraspinatus tendons were sharply dissected and randomly repaired by one of three techniques: SB repair (SB group), DRS repair (DRS group), and DRS with medial row knots repair (DRSK group). Specimens were tested to failure. In addition, 3 mm gap formation was measured and ultimate failure load, stiffness, and failure modes were recorded. RESULTS: The mean load to create a 3 mm gap formation in the DRSK and DRS groups was significantly higher than in the SB group. The DRSK group had the highest load to failure with a mean ultimate failure load of 395.0 N (SD 56.8) compared to the SB and DRS groups, which recorded 147.1 N (SD 34.3) and 285.9 N (SD 89.8), respectively (p < 0.001 for both). The DRS group showed a significantly higher mean failure load than the SB group (p = 0.006). Both the DRS and DRSK groups showed significantly higher mean stiffness than the SB group. CONCLUSION: The biomechanical properties of the DRS technique were significantly improved compared to the SB technique. The DRS technique with medial row knots showed superior biomechanical performance than the DRS technique alone.

Editorial Commentary: Elbow Arthroscopy Is a Safe Procedure. Sure.

Elbow arthroscopy is a procedure that is of great potential use and yet also of grave potential risks. To balance the risk-versus-reward consideration, one must be aware of the potential complications associated with this procedure, weigh them against the potential advantages, and understand one's own skills and familiarity with the procedure. There is no doubt that elbow arthroscopy has changed and even revolutionized our management of pathology about the elbow; however, one must bear in mind that this comes at a risk of complications that cannot be reduced to zero.

Anchor placement to glenoid rim during Bankart repair recreates contact area of anterior capsulolabral complex on glenoid better than onto articular surface.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to compare the contact areas of Bankart repair with suture anchors placed on the articular surface of the glenoid versus at the rim of the glenoid because it is unclear which technique most effectively restores the footprint after Bankart repair. METHODS: Ten fresh frozen cadaveric shoulders (mean age 70.7 years) were dissected. The attachment site of the capsulolabral complex from the 1 o' clock position to the 6 o'clock position was marked with ink, and the contact area of the anterior-inferior capsulolabral complex on the glenoid neck was measured using imageJ. Bankart lesions were created, and two types of Bankart repair were performed on each specimen. The suture anchors were inserted at the glenoid rim (Rim group) and onto the glenoid articular surface 2 mm from the rim (Surface group). Using pressure-sensitive films, we examined the interface contact area. RESULTS: The Rim group recreated 64.9% of the native surface area, while the Surface group recreated 47.3% of the area. The Rim group recreated significantly greater contact area compared to the Surface group (P = 0.0008). CONCLUSION: The anchor placement to the glenoid rim recreates the footprint of the capsulolabral complex on the anterior inferior glenoid better than the anchor placement onto the articular surface.

Bankart repair alone in combined Bankart and superior labral anterior-posterior lesions preserves range of motion without compromising joint stability.

HYPOTHESIS: The purpose was to investigate joint stability and range of motion after a Bankart repair without superior labral anterior-posterior (SLAP) repair (termed "Bankart repair") and after combined Bankart and SLAP repairs (termed "combined repair"). METHODS: Eight fresh-frozen shoulders were used. Combined Bankart and SLAP lesions were created (10- to 6-o'clock positions). The labrum and capsule were repaired at the 2-o'clock, 3:30 clock-face, and 5-o'clock positions in the Bankart repair group and at the 11-o'clock, 1-o'clock, 2-o'clock, 3:30 clock-face, and 5-o'clock positions in the combined repair group. The internal- and external-rotation ranges of motion were determined with the arm positioned at 0° and 60° of glenohumeral abduction. The rotation angle was defined when a constant torque of 200 N-mm was applied. Joint stability was measured with a custom stability-testing device. The peak translational force in the anterior-posterior direction was measured with the arm at the end range of external rotation. RESULTS: External rotation angles were greater at 0° and 60° of abduction in the Bankart repair group than in the combined repair group (0° of abduction, P < .01; 60° of abduction, P < .05). The internal rotation angle was greater at 60° of abduction in the Bankart repair group than in the combined repair group (P < .01). The stability between the 2 groups was not significantly different (P = .60). CONCLUSION: In patients with combined Bankart and SLAP lesions and the need for a wide range of motion, a Bankart repair alone may provide a greater range of motion without compromising the joint stability at the end range compared with a combined repair.

Locking plate fixation of proximal humerus fractures in patients older than 60 years continues to be associated with a high complication rate.

BACKGROUND: Locking plate technology has increased the frequency of open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of proximal humerus fractures (PHF). A number of technical pearls have been recommended to lower the complication rate of ORIF. These pearls are particularly relevant for patients aged >60 years, when nonoperative treatment and arthroplasty are alternatives commonly considered. There have been few large, single-center studies on the modern application of this technology. METHODS: Between 2005 and 2015, a total of 173 PHFs in patients aged >60 years were treated at our institution with ORIF using locking plates. Failure was defined as reoperation or radiographic evidence of failure. Average follow-up was 6.1 years. RESULTS: There was an overall complication rate of 44%. The overall failure rate was 34% and correlated with fracture type: 26% failure rate in 2-part fractures (16 failures), 39% in 3-part fractures (23 failures), and 45% in 4-part fractures (11 failures). There was no difference between the failure rate with and without fibular allograft (33% vs. 34%). Most patients with radiographic or clinical failure did not undergo reoperation. The overall reoperation rate was 11% (14 patients). Seven percent of 2-part fractures (4 shoulders), 14% of 3-part fractures (8 shoulders), and 18% of 4-part fractures (2 shoulders) required reoperation. CONCLUSIONS: ORIF of PHFs with locking plates in patients aged >60 years resulted in a 44% complication and 34% failure rate. There was a trend toward higher complication and failure rates in older patients and more complex fractures. Refinement in fixation techniques and indications are necessary to optimize the surgical management of PHFs.

Managing Glenoid Deformity in Shoulder Arthroplasty: Role of New Technology (Computer-Assisted Navigation and Patient-Specific Instrumentation).

The glenoid is considered a weak link in total shoulder arthroplasty because failure on the glenoid side is one of the most common reasons for revision of total shoulder arthroplasty. Glenoid wear is commonly seen in glenohumeral arthritis and compromises glenoid bone stock and also alters the native version and inclination of the glenoid. It is critical to recognize glenoid wear and correct it intraoperatively to avoid component malposition, which can negatively affect the survivorship of the glenoid implant. The end point of correction for the glenoid wear in shoulder arthroplasty is controversial, but anatomic glenoid component positioning is likely to improve long-term survivorship of the total shoulder arthroplasty. Preoperative three-dimensional (3-D) computer planning software, based on CT, is commercially available. It allows the surgeon to plan implant type (anatomic versus reverse), size, and position on the glenoid, and also allows for templating deformity correction using bone graft and/or augments. Guidance technology in the form of computer-assisted surgery (CAS) and patient-specific instrumentation (PSI) allows the surgeon to execute the preoperative plan during surgery with a greater degree of accuracy and precision and has shown superiority to standard instrumentation. However, the proposed benefits of this technology including improved glenoid survivorship, reduced revision arthroplasty rate and cost-effectiveness have not yet been demonstrated clinically. In this review, we present the current evidence regarding PSI and CAS in managing glenoid deformity in total shoulder arthroplasty.

The vascularized medial femoral condyle free flap for reconstruction of segmental recalcitrant nonunion of the clavicle.

BACKGROUND: Recalcitrant clavicular nonunion is a rare but complicated problem of clavicular fracture fixation. Nonunion is most often treated with clavicular shortening or in extreme cases vascularized bone grafting. Herein we describe our experience using the vascularized medial femoral condyle (MFC) free flap for the reconstruction of segmental defects in cases of recalcitrant clavicular nonunion. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was conducted of patients with symptomatic recalcitrant nonunion of the clavicle who underwent reconstruction with the vascularized MFC free flap from June 2003 to January 2018. Patients' demographics, time to union, and postoperative complications were collected. RESULTS: A total of 7 patients (6 women; 39.8 ± 9.01 years old) underwent clavicular reconstruction after an average of 3.7 ± 1.3 previous surgical procedures. Average preoperative visual analog scale score for pain was 4.1. The graft size ranged from 2 to 5 cm in length with approximately 1 cm in width and depth. The average time of total nonunion was 66 ± 48.2 months before surgery. All flaps survived and all clavicles healed with an average time to radiographic union of 15 ± 6.7 months. Patients regained full shoulder motion, and average postoperative visual analog scale score was 1.6 ± 1.8. All patients returned to their preoperative employment status. Donor site morbidity from the knee was minimal. CONCLUSION: The MFC free flap is a good option for recalcitrant bone nonunion of the clavicle where larger vascularized flaps are not warranted. It is effective and offers minimal donor site morbidity.

Fingerbreadths Rule in Determining the Safe Zone of the Radial Nerve and Posterior Interosseous Nerve for a Lateral Elbow Approach: An Anatomic Study.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to investigate whether a safe zone rule could be applied to prevent iatrogenic injuries to the radial nerve (RN); and determine whether there is a relationship between the diameter of the radial head and capitellum and the distance of the posterior interosseous nerve (PIN) to the radiocapitellar joint. METHODS: Ten fresh-frozen cadaveric specimens were used to measure the distances between the RN and the lateral epicondyle; the PIN and the radiocapitellar joint; the lateral epicondyle and the PIN as it crossed the ulnohumeral joint; the diameter of the radial head; the width of the capitellum; and the fingerbreadths of the specimens. RESULTS: Four fingerbreadths determined a safe zone between the lateral epicondyle and the RN proximally at the point at which it pierced the intermuscular septum and the mid-lateral portion of the humeral shaft. Two fingerbreadths provided a safe zone for the PIN from the radiocapitellar joint to the midpoint of the axis of the radius only with the forearm in pronation. CONCLUSION: A four-finger rule, two-finger rule, and radial head diameter or capitellum size may predict a safe zone for the RN and PIN except for the segment of the nerve where it crosses the anterior cortex of either the humerus or radius. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Preclinical cadaveric study.

Primary reverse shoulder arthroplasty using contemporary implants is associated with very low reoperation rates.

BACKGROUND: The early results of reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) were influenced to some extent by the use of first-generation implants and surgeons' learning curves, resulting in relatively high reoperation rates. The purpose of this study was to quantify the burden of and identify the indications for reoperation after primary RSA using contemporary implants and techniques. METHODS: A retrospective review of 1649 primary RSAs implanted consecutively between 2009 and 2015 at a single institution was conducted. All arthroplasties were performed by 5 fellowship-trained shoulder surgeons at a tertiary referral center. Demographic characteristics, indications for primary RSA, and reoperations were analyzed and categorized for trends associated with each type of reoperation performed. RESULTS: A total of 39 reoperations (2.37%) were performed for a variety of indications. Overall, only a few patients with infection or instability required reoperation (0.55%). The most common indications for reoperation were related to the humeral component (1.03%); the majority of humeral component complications were related to a specific design flaw of 1 implant system. RSAs performed for proximal humeral fracture sequelae more commonly underwent reoperation owing to instability or humeral component-related issues; all 4 cases of aseptic humeral stem loosening occurred in the setting of proximal humeral fracture sequela treatment. Only 0.36% of all primary RSAs required reoperation because of glenoid complications. CONCLUSIONS: Primary RSA performed with contemporary implants and surgical techniques seems to be associated with a very low rate of reoperation. The most common reasons for reoperation were humeral component fracture for 1 particular implant, humeral loosening, dislocation, infection, and glenoid failure, each occurring at a rate under 1%.